even the obama administration is toning down the celebrations this time around. >> this isn't about getting a discount stay, this is about moments in the memory and this is about celebrating democracy. this is it. go big or go home. >> reporter: some people are choosing to stay home. while an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 people are expected on the mall for the president's speech that's down from approximately 1.8 million four years ago. >> 2009 was obviously the largest inauguration ever recordedrecord ed ed ed. well over $94 million was raised through the metropolitan area, so we're encouraging people to please come in and experience the city. >> reporter: so this weekend the d.c. inaugural experience is not about the lavish suites it's about enduring the cold and the crowd for a priceless piece of history. ♪ >> so, peter, how many of those $100,000 packages where you get the fake secret service agents and the dog were told? >> i was so hoping you'd ask that question. the answer is zero nadia, zip. >> well, if anybody bought it we should do an interview with him to say what were you thin